Our sincere thanks to BNSF Railway for their generous role in the Museum's collection move from Dallas to Frisco, TX.

Big Boy's Trek to Frisco

Our thanks to Mr. Richard Hall for creating a wonderful piece on the Big Boy's journey from Dallas to Frisco.

August 26, 2013 - Big Boy Arrives in Frisco

The Museum's "Big Boy" steam locomotive #4018, a gift of the Union Pacific Railroad 48 years ago, arrived at its new, permanent home in Frisco yesterday. The 1.2 million lb. engine, regarded as the largest of its type in the world, was eased into the Museum of the American Railroad's facility at 2:20pm.

Hundreds of Museum supporters and fans of Big Boy cheered as the large engine rolled to a stop, following the 25-mile journey over BNSF's main line. The celebrated locomotive performed flawlessly throughout the entire move from Dallas' Fair Park to Frisco via Irving. "It's a real testament to the original designers and builders, and the team we assembled to inspect and prepare it for movement," said Museum CEO, Bob LaPrelle.

Under the direction of Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation, the Museum's Steam Crew spent countless hours inspecting, lubricating, repairing, and even fabricating mechanical components of the Big Boy locomotive. No mechanical issues arose during the 55-mile trek over busy main lines between Dallas and Frisco. The engine rolled silently and effortlessly, sharing the line with modern passenger, commuter, and freight trains pulled by high horsepower diesel locomotives. Still considered the most powerful, the 71-year-old #4018 seemed to garner the respect of its younger counterparts even after having sat static for 48 years.

The locomotive departed South Irving at 10:35am, arriving in Frisco 3 hours and 45 minutes later. Two stops were made en route to inspect and lubricate #4018's running gear. Thousands of onlookers lined the tracks throughout the move, with clusters of people in Irving, Carrollton, and Plano cheering the engine on to its final destination. Upon arrival in Frisco, #4018 was greeted by residents, city officials, and Museum stakeholders.

After Big Boy's week-long adventure on main line trackage, including a layover in Irving next to TRE's busy commuter line, it begins a new chapter in its life. While brief, the engine's trip to Frisco demonstrated its ability to amaze and inspire a new generation of fans and keep the fascination with trains alive! It will become the centerpiece of the Museum of the American Railroad's new rail history and technology center in Frisco.

BNSF crews were diligent in providing a safe and timely move. We are greatly indebted to BNSF Railway for its untiring commitment to the Big Boy move.

Photo above courtesy of Ken Fitzgerald.

August 25, 2013 - Big Boy Arrives in Frisco

Our thanks to WFAA, Channel 8 television for the news clip below.

August 23, 2013 - 4018 to Move Sunday, 8/25

The process of moving Big Boy #4018 from Irving to Frisco is scheduled to begin Sunday 8/25 at 9:00 AM. An exact departure time has not been established. For those who would like to view #4018, please remember that there is no public access to the locomotive in South Irving. Our sincere thanks to DART, TRE, and Herzog for their patience and support over the past week. We look forward to a safe and timely arrival of Big Boy at its new home in Frisco.

The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves to Frisco each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist.

As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.

At the request of residents adjacent to the Museum's site in Frisco, access to the end of Cotton Gin Road and the area immediately to the North is prohibited. The City has provided a tented viewing area just inside the Museum's fence for onlookers to gather. Parking will be available at the Frisco Discovery Center. Access to the Museum's site will be through the contractor gate along Cotton Gin Road. Parking along Cotton Gin Road is prohibited.

Access to the Museum site will be available approximately one hour prior to the Big Boy's arrival. Restrooms and refreshments are not available at the site.

We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.

August 20, 2013 - WFAA Big Boy Coverage

Our thanks to WFAA, Channel 8 television for the news clip below.

August 19, 2013 - Big Boy Lays Over in Irving

Big Boy #4018 arrived safely in South Irving at 8:30pm last night. The move was slow getting underway due to heavy traffic on Union Pacific's main line. Once underway, the locomotive performed flawlessly with no mechanical issues.

Due to the late arrival in Irving, it was decided not to continue movement on to Frisco that evening. Big Boy is tentatively scheduled to move from Irving to Frisco this coming Saturday (8/24) or Sunday (8/25).

It was very gratifying to observe so many Museum supporters and Big Boy fans see the locomotive off on its departure from Fair Park. There were literally hundreds of well-wishers who waited patiently throughout the day to see the big engine begin its journey.

Photo courtesy of Ken Fitzgerald

August 15, 2013 - Big Boy Move Confirmed

We received confirmation from the Railroads this afternoon that Big Boy #4018 is scheduled to move this Sunday, August 18.

Our sincere thanks to the Railroads for their continued support in this historic move.

The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves to Frisco each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist.

As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.

At the request of residents adjacent to the Museum's site in Frisco, access to the end of Cotton Gin Road and the area immediately to the North is prohibited. The City has provided a tented viewing area just inside the Museum's fence for onlookers to gather. Parking will be available at the Frisco Discovery Center. Access to the Museum's site will be through the contractor gate along Cotton Gin Road. Parking along Cotton Gin Road is prohibited. Access to the Museum site will be available approximately one hour prior to the Big Boy's arrival. Restrooms and refreshments are not available at the site.

We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.

July 31, 2013 - Big Boy Move Update

Movement of Big Boy #4018 will not take place this Sunday (August 4). Maintenance and upgrades along the TRE line between Dallas and Irving will limit access to that portion of the route during midday hours. A new move date has not been scheduled at this time.

July 26, 2013 - Big Boy Move Update

Our thanks to Jobin Panicker and Channel 8 for their interest in this historic move.

July 22, 2013 - Santa Fe F-7A & Boxcars Move to Frisco

As an alternate to the Big Boy #4018 move, the decision was made to substitute the Museum's Santa Fe F-7A diesel locomotive and two KCS storage boxcars. The F-Unit had been switching equipment early yesterday morning during building of the consist for the Big Boy move. When word came down that #4018 would not be making the move to Frisco, the F-Unit and two cars were added to the consist of ten braking cars and #4018 was removed.

At approximately 11:00am, the F-Unit's engine was shut down and the locomotive's brakes were placed in trailing mode for the trip to Frisco. The consist departed the Fair Park spur at approximately 12:30pm, following passage of Amtrak's southbound Texas Eagle. Movement to Irving was swift since there were no restrictions on the equipment. Following a crew change at Gribble siding (Royal Lane), the consist progressed north over BNSF's Madill Subdivision.

Scheduled to have been the last pieces to leave Fair Park in a few weeks, the classic "Warbonnet" Santa Fe locomotive and its two traveling companions suddenly found themselves in Frisco yesterday evening. The move was uneventful, with no mechanical issues or delays resulting from the uniqueness of the equipment. Once Museum, DGNO, and BNSF officials reached the decision to substitute the equipment yesterday morning, the move went smoothly and took advantage of all the resources at hand.

With its engine still warm from earlier switching operations, the F-Unit was eased alongside the Museum's Santa Fe lightweight sleeping car Pine Ring, a fitting companion to the classic Warbonnet locomotive.

Thousands of friends followed the consist's progress on the Museum's Facebook page despite the substitution of equipment. We are very appreciative of the continued interest and support.

Our thanks to DGNO and BNSF for their continued support of the Museum and commitment to the Frisco move. Our sincere appreciation for the many fans of the Museum who gathered early Sunday morning to see the consist off in Dallas.

July 22, 2013 - Big Boy Move Update

The much-anticipated move of the Museum's Big Boy #4018 steam locomotive did not take place yesterday due to concerns about wyeing (turning) the big engine along the route to Frisco.

The engine was to have been turned just a few miles into the move on the Union Pacific's main line in Southeast Dallas. This was necessary to orient the locomotive in the forward direction, thereby minimizing any concerns regarding tracking of the "centipede" tender for the remainder of the move. The locomotive would also arrive in Frisco facing North, which is the desired direction for permanent display.

While extensive inspection and preparations have gone into #4018, concerns yesterday morning about the possibility of disruptions to heavy freight traffic arising from any potential mechanical or incompatibility issues with the big articulated engine led to the decision to make further inspections before the move.

We are in support of the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern and Union Pacific's commitment to ensuring the safety of their operations in Dallas, and minimizing the disruption of traffic over their lines during the movement of Museum equipment.

We are confident in the work that has gone into inspection and preparation of Big Boy #4018 for movement to Frisco. We welcome further mechanical inspection in order to address any additional concerns and achieve a level of confidence among all railroads involved.

Realizing that this is not your average move, the Museum is grateful for the continued commitment of the railroads to the Frisco relocation effort. A new move date has not been set, but efforts are underway to address any concerns and establish a date.

July 19, 2013 - Big Boy #4018 On for Sunday Move

Movement of the Museum of the American Railroad's Union Pacific steam locomotive #4018 to Frisco is confirmed for this Sunday, July 21st. A departure time from Fair Park has not been established at this time. Staff will post periodic updates to the Museum's Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/HistoricTrains ) throughout the day as the Big Boy makes its way northward.

Our sincere thanks to the Railroads for their continued support in this historic move.

The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves to Frisco each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist. For general updates, visit the Museum’s websitewww.HistoricTrains.organd click on “The Big Move – Rolling Stock” under the “Frisco” tab. For specific updates on train movements, visit the Museum’s Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/HistoricTrains

As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.

At the request of residents adjacent to the Museum's site in Frisco, access to the end of Cotton Gin Road and the area immediately to the North is prohibited. The City has provided a tented viewing area just inside the Museum's fence for onlookers to gather. Parking will be available at the Frisco Discovery Center. Access to the Museum's site will be through the contractor gate along Cotton Gin Road. Parking along Cotton Gin Road is prohibited.

Access to the Museum site will be available approximately one hour prior to the Big Boy's arrival. Restrooms and refreshments are not available at the site.
We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.

July 10, 2013 - Big Boy Move Rescheduled

Due to ongoing bridge repairs along the line, movement of the Museum's UP Big Boy steam locomotive #4018 has been tentatively rescheduled for Sunday, July 21 with an alternate date of Sunday, July 28.

July 2, 2013 - Big Boy Featured on City of Frisco YouTube Channel

Footage courtesy of the City of Frisco, Texas. Our sincere thanks to the City for their support and continued efforts to document this historic move.

June 21, 2013 - Big Boy Move Date Rescheduled

The next scheduled move date for Union Pacific Steam Locomotive #4018 is Sunday, July 14. This date is to allow for repairs to a bridge along the route. Watch this space for updates.

Meanwhile, the big articulated locomotive received its road number and reporting marks. Thanks to Frank Boudewijn and our friends at Signage Systems, Hillman Taylor at National Coatings & Supplies, and the Museum's Steam Crew, the graphics were painted onto the locomotive's cab and tender.

Museum Steam Crew leader Dick Thompson appears to be very pleased with the outcome of the Big Boy's cab number and nomenclature in this photo at left by Ken Fitzgerald.

June 15, 2013 - Big Boy Move to be Rescheduled

Due to a derailment on one of the rail lines along the route, Sunday's movement of the Museum's "Big Boy" steam locomotive #4018 has been cancelled. We will post a new move date once it is established. We regret any inconvenience this may cause to our stakeholders and supporters. We are very appreciative of all the efforts put forth by the local railroads as we continue to move the collection from Dallas to Frisco.

June 13, 2013 - Big Boy Scheduled to Move Sunday, 6/16/13

Movement of the Museum's Union Pacific locomotive #4018 is scheduled for this coming Sunday, June 16. Although no exact time has been established, departure from Fair Park will likely take place during mid-morning hours. Times and dates are subject to change. We will endeavor to provide as much advance information as possible.

At left: Image courtesy of Ken Fitzgerald, June 12, 2013.

The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves to Frisco each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist. For general updates, visit the Museum’s websitewww.HistoricTrains.organd click on “The Big Move – Rolling Stock” under the “Frisco” tab. For specific updates on train movements, visit the Museum’s Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/HistoricTrains

As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.

The Museum asks you respect the personal, private property of surrounding homeowners and businesses. Please keep off any private property around the Museum's Fair Park and Frisco sites.

We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.

Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive #4018 was moved out of the Museum on Sunday. The process took several hours due to two curves located at the extreme east end of the Museum. The curves, one of which is nearly 20 degrees, are the tightest the locomotive will encounter on the entire move to Frisco. It had not negotiated these curves since arriving in 1965. The locomotive will undergo several moves on the trackage adjacent to Fair Park in the coming week in preparation for movement to Frisco at a later date.

Correspondence from the mid-1960s between Union Pacific's Mechanical and Operating Departments addressed concerns about the "centipede" tenders on the big 4000 Class engines as they strayed off the system to be donated to museums and parks nationwide. The tenders, with their five rigid axles and one lead truck, were prone to causing problems on curves. The locomotives themselves were apparently not an issue during most moves.

Ever mindful of this concern, Museum crews eased Big Boy #4018 through the two curves, eventually negotiating the lead track switch and ending up on the Fair Park spur. The locomotive and tender are now on tangent track and will be tested for several miles up and down the Fair Park spur over the next few days.

Big Boy #4018 is tentatively scheduled to move to Frisco this coming weekend. Scott Lindsay and the Museum's Steam Crew will make final inspections and fine tune items, such as the manual crosshead lubricating system, during the week in preparation for the move.

Watch this space for updates.

View the #4501's Move to Frisco

Footage courtesy of the City of Frisco, Texas. Our sincere thanks to the City for their support and continued efforts to document this historic move.

May 27, 2013 - #4501 Arrives in Frisco

Frisco steam locomotive #4501 arrived at its new home in Frisco, Texas late last night. At 11:00pm, BNSF crews eased the 800,000 lb. locomotive into the Museum of the American Railroad's new site where it will entertain and educate new generations of North Texans. Representing an era when steam was king of the rails, the #4501 was every bit as graceful during its 55-mile trek to Frisco as it was when delivered new in 1942.

The striking Meteor paint scheme glistened in the afternoon sun as #4501 made its way along main line trackage between Dallas and Frisco. The lines were dotted with onlookers, punctuated by crowds at major vantage points like Dallas Union Station, Irving, and Carrollton. Accompanied by 10 modern tank cars for additional braking, the train proceeded at the slow, but steady pace of 10mph. The entire move took 13 hours due to high volumes of rail traffic and periodic inspection stops.

The 71-year-old locomotive, a product of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, performed flawlessly. Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation in Birmingham accompanied the locomotive and was elated at its performance. Great care and diligence went into the preparation for Sunday's trip. Scott and the Museum's dedicated Steam Crew spent weeks inspecting, polishing, and lubricating running gear components such as wheel and side rod journals.

We are indebted to the Railroads for their continued commitment to the Museum's move. Both the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern (DGNO) Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway provided dedicated crews for the special run. A number of people at both Railroads devoted a part of their Memorial Day weekend to the move in order to accommodate the Museum and expedite #4501's relocation from Fair Park. For that, the Museum is indebted to those individuals and the DGNO and BNSF.

May 25, 2013 - Frisco #4501 to Move Tomorrow (Sunday, 5/26)

The railroads are scheduled to move the Museum's Frisco steam locomotive #4501 on Sunday, May 26th from Fair Park to Frisco. Estimated departure time is 10:00am. Date and time are subject to change. Please watch this page for any last-minute schedule changes.

The railroads have asked everyone interested in movement of the #4501 to respect their operations and property. Please do not enter any right of way or yards associated with this movement. Such action is considered trespassing and the railroads reserve the right to take appropriate action. Let's all have a safe and enjoyable move.

Arrival of the #4501 in Frisco can be safely observed from Cotton Gin Road. Please be respectful and keep off of private residential property north of Cotton Gin.

Some background on the #4501:

The St. Louis-San Francisco "Frisco" Railway steam locomotive #4501 pulled one of the line's premiere passenger trains during a pivotal period in the nation's history. Built in 1942 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, PA, #4501 provided motive power for the overnight Meteor between Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and St. Louis. One of three locomotives designated for the route, #4501 could be found traveling at speeds of up to 90mph pulling the "Zephyr" blue Meteor. The train provided a vital connection between Texas, Oklahoma, and St. Louis - a gateway to destinations north and east to cities such as Chicago, Washington, and New York. The locomotive was a regular sight at the massive, bustling St. Louis Union Station, the eastern terminus of the Meteor.

Painted in a patriotic red, white, and blue scheme, the #4501 represented the state of the art in steam locomotive design, but enjoyed a relatively short career. The locomotive operated during the twilight period of steam. Following World War II, diesel-electric locomotives replaced steamers as railroads introduced sleek, new streamlined passenger trains. By 1947, just five years after delivery, #4501 was bumped from passenger service and repainted in Frisco's basic black scheme, then relegated to freight service. In 1952 Frisco became an all-diesel line and the locomotive was placed into storage at the Lindenwood, Missouri shops. This was a common practice among railroads as a way to maintain a reserve fleet of locomotives to cover traffic surges. Few steam locomotives were ever reactivated, however, and their next stop was usually the scrap line. The #4501 is one of the few survivors.

Frisco #4501 was a "Northern" type steam locomotive, having a 4-8-4 wheel arrangement. This configuration was widely used throughout North America, and was at home pulling freight or passenger trains up mountain grades or running at high speeds over the prairie. Despite #4501's relatively short career, the locomotive was a sound design, providing safe and reliable service on the Frisco railway.

After over 10 years of storage, #4501 was officially retired in 1964. Later that year following a letter writing campaign by one of the Museum's founders, Everett L. DeGolyer, Jr., the #4501 was gifted to the Museum. In 1965 the locomotive was moved dead-in-tow to Fair Park where it was placed on display at the Age of Steam Museum (now the Museum of the American Railroad). Ironically, the #4501 passed through the small town of Frisco on its way to Dallas in 1965. The locomotive will travel in the opposite direction to the Museum of the American Railroad's new home in Frisco, now a thriving city. The line through Frisco, Texas is now part of Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, which acquired the Frisco Railway in 1980.

Frisco locomotive #4501 was recently repainted in the line's striking Meteor scheme, based on research of original drawings and plans. The locomotive is resplendent in its original appearance when steam locomotives reigned supreme at the head end of the nation's flagship passenger trains.

May 24, 2013 - Frisco #4501 Move Update

The recent storms in Texas and Oklahoma, combined with surges in business, have required BNSF to give priority to freight traffic on the line between Irving and Frisco. While the railroad is committed to moving the Frisco #4501, a speed restriction of 10 mph is simply not conducive to maintaining traffic over the busy Madill Subdivision.

Meanwhile, our steam crew has been busy attending to last-minute details on the #4501. Through the efforts of two of our long-time suppliers and supporters, we were able to apply the Frisco "Meteor" graphics to the locomotive and tender.

Frank Boudewijn of Signage Systems in Dallas painstakingly designed and created the paint masking and applied it to the sides of the #4501. This was a two part process in order to create the white background that outlined the red "Meteor" lettering. Once the white was painted above and below the broad stripe along the tender, the final masking was applied for the brilliant red lettering. Our thanks to Frank and the folks at Signage Systems for their outstanding work. They have provided countless contributions to the Museum in the form of design and creation of paint masking for restoration projects, as well as signage for special events, including Day Out with Thomas.

The graphics were painted on the #4501 by the Museum's long-time friend and supporter Hillman Taylor of National Coatings & Supplies (NCS), using DuPont Imron and Nason finishes. Members of the Museum's Steam Crew carefully pulled the masking once the new paint was fully cured, revealing the stunning 1942 red, white, and "Zephyr" blue Meteor scheme that once graced Frisco rails between Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and St. Louis.

Our thanks to Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation, along with members of the Museum's Steam Crew for their tireless efforts in readying the #4501 for movement. The locomotive has logged nearly 25 miles up and down the Fair Park spur in preparation for the move, and appears to be sufficiently limbered up for the 55 mile run to Frisco.

A new move date for the Frisco #4501 has not been established. The Memorial Day weekend and continued high traffic levels on local rail lines take precedent at this time. Every effort will be made to move the locomotive as soon as possible.

May 19, 2013 - Frisco #4501 Move Postponed

Due to high freight traffic volume on the railroads, the Frisco #4501 will not move to Frisco today. We will post a new move date when we have further information. Thank you for your continued support.

May 4, 2013 - Preparation of Big Steam Locomotives for Move

And then there were five...

The Museum's old location in Dallas' Fair Park is looking pretty sparse these days. Only the two largest steam locomotives remain, along with the F-7A diesel locomotive used for switching and two storage box cars.

Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation has returned to lead the Museum's Steam Crew through the final process of preparing the Frisco #4501 and Union Pacific #4018 for movement in a few weeks. Inspection and lubrication of bearings and journals have begun in earnest as the big engines are readied for the 55-mile trip to Frisco.

First to move will be the Frisco #4501. The locomotive and tender are equipped with conventional friction-type bearings, which require a higher level of maintenance than newer roller bearings. Each journal box will be drained, cleaned, and repacked with new lubricating pads and oil. The locomotive's driving wheels will require special attention, with each "Hennessey" lubricator being bench tested before reassembly.

Weather permitting, the Frisco Railway "Meteor" graphics will be applied to the locomotive during the next week. Signage Systems, a long-time supporter of the Museum, has developed the paint masking for the project. It is hoped that the striking red "Meteor" graphic can be applied before the #4501 takes to the main line.

On the present schedule, the #4501 is likely to move from Fair Park on Sunday, May 19. The locomotive will move at a maximum speed of 10mph and will have five modern freight cars coupled to each end for additional braking. Plans are being finalized for additional logistical needs, including inspection points along the route.

Work is also progressing on the Union Pacific #4018, which should be moved to Frisco within a few weeks of #4501's arrival. Equipped with roller bearings, the locomotive requires slightly different preparation measures to ensure safe and reliable movement to Frisco. Each bearing reservoir on the driving wheels will be drained and refilled with heavyweight gear oil. The locomotive's side rods will be either removed or receive lubrication from temporary manual drip-type lubricators.

In researching Union Pacific mechanical records from the mid-1960s when eight of the 25 Big Boys were donated to museums and parks, it was found that the massive "Centipede" tenders were the main cause of concern, not the locomotives themselves. The tenders were more prone to problems when encountering curves, particularly when empty during back up moves. To address this issue, #4018's tender will likely have three wheel sets (axles) "blocked up." The wheels will be jacked up and have spacers placed such that the flanges are above the rail head. This will effectively minimize the rigidity of the long wheel base when encountering curves along the route.

The Museum has received inquiries from all over the world as to when #4018 will move from Dallas to Frisco. It is tentatively scheduled to move within a few weeks of #4501's arrival in Frisco. The move will also occur during daylight hours on a Sunday to prevent any disruption of Trinity Railway Express operation between Dallas Union Station and Irving. Watch this website for updates on #4018's move date.

Please note that the Museum's Fair Park location is not open to the public. To ensure safety and security, only authorized contractors and Museum staff are permitted to enter the Fair Park facility.

April 14, 2013 - 10-Piece Move Complete

The ten-piece consist of Museum equipment arrived safely in Frisco this evening. The consist was assembled early this morning from two previously blocked cars and locomotives (see March 8 update for specific pieces). The train, including BNSF (ex-BN) locomotive #2732, two tank cars required for additional braking, and the ten Museum pieces departed the Fair Park spur and entered the UP main line about noon.

Speed restricted to 10 mph, the train moved along busy rail lines that were very forgiving traffic-wise. This was by design since Sundays typically offer windows for moves such as this. Sundays are also ideal between Union Station and Irving since TRE does not operate on these days. Amtrak's train #21, the Texas Eagle, was on time which allowed us to move unencumbered around the Belt.

This was the first consist to move all the way to Frisco in one day. The train traversed the "Belt Line" through southeast Dallas on the way to Union Station without delay. A brief inspection stop was made west of downtown at DGNO's Mockingbird Yard. The consist arrived at BNSF's Irving yard at approximately 3:00pm. Inspections were again made, and it departed about 3:30pm, with the DGNO crew running through to the next stop at Gribble (just south of Royal Lane on the BNSF).

After further inspections and a new BNSF crew, the consist departed Gribble at 4:45pm, paused for inspection at Valwood siding, then passed through Carrollton at 5:50pm. A roll-by inspection was made at Hebron (Parker Road) at 6:45pm, with the consist finally arriving in Frisco at 8:30pm.

Upon arrival, BNSF crews reclaimed the three recently unloaded flatcars that transported the Museum's two smaller steam locomotives. The consist was then shoved inside the Museum after the 55-mile, 12 hour journey. It was the longest and heaviest consist to be moved, at 640 feet in length, and weighing nearly 900 tons!

Nine of the ten pieces were equipped with friction-type wheel bearings which required vigilance on the part of our volunteers to monitor and address any problems en route. Several roll-by inspections, along with periodic stops, did reveal six journals (bearings) running hot. These bearings were addressed immediately and maintained at a safe temperature throughout the move. Surprisingly, the Museum's three freight cars, all of which dated from the late teens and early twenties, presented no problems. The most problematic piece was the Texas & Pacific coach #1143, which required extra care and diligence throughout the move.

We are once again indebted to our host railroads, DGNO and BNSF, for an excellent job. This was one of the more potentially problematic consists. Our thanks to the operating crews and mechanical departments for their care and diligence in getting the consist to Frisco. Special thanks go to Lou Szabo at DGNO and Darren Hale and Tim Colley with BNSF. Our gratitude also goes to the City of Frisco's CVB and Communications Department for a job well done publicizing and documenting the move.

Finally, our gratitude to the Federal Railroad Administration's Region 5 Office for their guidance and support to ensure a safe and timely move of the Museum's priceless collection of historic rolling stock from Dallas to Frisco.

On to the big steam locomotives - the best is yet to come! Stay tuned...

April 13, 2013 - Move of Next Consist Confirmed

We have confirmation that the next consist of Museum equipment (10 pieces in all) will depart Fair Park approximately mid-morning Sunday. The plan is to move the full distance to Frisco by nightfall.

April 6, 2013 - Move of Next Consist Rescheduled

The Museum's 10-piece consist will not move from Fair Park Sunday, April 7 as previously planned. The Railroads are not in a position to accommodate the move due to traffic levels and other factors. We have tentatively rescheduled the move for next weekend. Check this page for updates throughout the coming week.

Frisco #1625 and DUT #7 were successfully unloaded today and placed on the Museum's new RIP track. Using two cranes, Crocker deftly handled the two locomotives and tenders, placing them on "home rails."

The Decapod was temporarily placed on large oak pallets 90 degrees to the track while the two cranes swapped their hold on the engine. This was in order to turn the locomotive 180 degrees before being placed on the RIP track just south of the H&TC Depot. Placing the #1625's five driving wheels and one pilot wheel on the 15 degree curved track proved challenging, but all six axles finally complied and the locomotive was eased down onto the running surfaces of the wheels. Next was the tender, which posed little problem once the draw bars and coal auger were aligned with the locomotive.

Lifting of Dallas Union Terminal #7 was relatively straightforward with only three axles. The Baldwin 0-6-0 switcher was placed just behind #1625, along with its tender. The entire lifting operation took a little over eight hours without complications. Santa Fe Motorcar M-160 performed flawlessly in its duties positioning the flat cars during the lifts. The cars were shuttled between the lifting points and the pocket tracks throughout the day. Once empty, the cars were returned to the Museum's main track to be retrieved by BNSF in a few weeks. Dozens of onlookers were present throughout the day, along with several local media representatives.

The two locomotives will remain at their present location until the RIP track is extended its full design length as part of the next phase of track construction. The RIP (Repair in Place) track will branch off into two parallel tracks that will ultimately terminate in the Museum's new repair and restoration shop.

Our thanks to Mike Jump and the crew at Crocker Crane for an outstanding job on the lift. Our thanks also to Richard Wainscott, our engineer in the M-160, Dick Thompson, Brian Lingle and the Museum's Steam Crew for their hard work and dedication to the project. We are also grateful to BNSF Railway for providing the three flat cars upon which to transport the locomotives from Fair Park to Frisco. Their generosity resulted in nearly $50,000 in savings had the locomotives moved by truck.

A special thanks to the City of Frisco's Convention & Visitors Bureau and Communications Department for coordinating media coverage and documenting the day's activities. Today's work concludes nearly six months of planning and execution that resulted in the safe relocation of two significant pieces of the Museum's rolling stock collection, and just one aspect of the much larger overall move project.

Due to a greater chance of rain on Wednesday, Crocker Crane has been rescheduled to unload the steam locomotives from the flat cars tomorrow morning. Cranes will arrive at 8:00am with the first lift scheduled at approximately 10:00am.

With the track extensions now complete, the three BNSF flat cars loaded with the Museum's two smaller steam locomotives were positioned for unloading. Frisco "Decapod" #1625 is positioned adjacent to the H&TC Depot at the approximate location on the new RIP track where it will reside for the foreseeable future. The other two flat cars are positioned on nearby extensions or "pocket" tracks to facilitate unloading following #1625's placement.

Frisco #1625 will be unloaded first and turned 180 degrees to be oriented facing north. Its tender will be unloaded next and placed behind the locomotive. Next, Dallas Union Terminal #7 will be unloaded and placed just behind #1625, followed by its tender. Ultimately, most if not all of the Museum's rolling stock collection will be pointed north on future exhibit tracks when finally arranged in a display fashion.

Placement of the three loaded flat cars was accomplished with the Museum's 1931 Brill Motorcar Santa Fe M-160. Powered with a 1952 vintage EMD 6-567B diesel engine, the "Doodle Bug" shuffled several cars around the Museum's new trackage in order to position the heavy flat cars for unloading. The final task of the day was shoving the 280,000 lb flat car loaded with #1625 up a 1% grade around a 15 degree curve on the RIP track. It took the M-160 a couple of tries - not bad considering its 90 mph gearing.

Not since the M-160's post-passenger service/pre-retirement days in Clovis, New Mexico has the venerable "Doodle Bug" seen so much yard duty. Following the scheduled unloading of the locomotives on March 20, the M-160 will return to light duty and see only occasional service as the only remaining operational Santa Fe motorcar.

March 8, 2013 - Next Consist Readied for Move

With additional track work now complete in Frisco, the next consist is being readied for movement from Fair Park. It will essentially be a clean sweep of what rolling stock still remains at the old museum, with the exception of the two large steam locomotives, the F-7 diesel used for switching, and two storage boxcars. The ten-piece consist will be an eclectic mix of locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars.

Museum volunteers have been busy performing air tests on each piece, as well as the entire assembled consist. Amazingly, the brakes on the three freight cars set up and released flawlessly after many years of static display. Volunteers also completely rebuilt the brake system on the 113-year-old Fort Worth & Denver business car "Texland". Additionally, last minute inspections and repairs are being made to the older friction type journals, with new pads and oil added as necessary.

The Pennsylvania Railroad GG-1 electric locomotive will be included in this move, however, it has not been added to the consist. Concerns over decayed crossties in one of the Museum's switches at Fair Park necessitates their replacement (ten total) before it can negotiate the turnout and be added to the move. The turnout side of this same switch will bear the brunt of the 1.2-million pound Big Boy upon its departure from Fair Park, so we are taking no chances. In fact, twelve crossties are being replaced elsewhere in the Museum to accommodate Big Boy's removal. These track repairs are expected to be complete by next week, weather permitting.

The consist is slated to depart Fair Park on April 7 following unloading of the steam locomotives in Frisco (scheduled for March 20). This is due to trackage becoming limited in Frisco as new pieces arrive, and the logistics of handing off the empty flats to BNSF for return to Irving. The empty flat cars will be retrieved from the Frisco site by BNSF upon arrival of the consist.

This consist (the fourth to travel to Frisco) will be made up of the following pieces:

Pennsylvania Railroad GG-1 electric locomotive #4903

Western Railroad Company Baldwin VO-1000 diesel locomotive #1107

TXI ALCO RSD-1 diesel locomotive #8000

Cotton Belt mixed caboose #2332

KCS outside braced wood boxcar #7460

Lone Star Producing Company tank car #1816

Texas & Pacific modernized coach #1143

Santa Fe Parlor Club Car #3231

Pullman 12-1 sleeping car "Goliad"

Fort Worth & Denver business car "Texland"

Once this consist arrives safely in Frisco, movement of the last pieces from Fair Park will become much more predictable, including of course, Big Boy. We receive countless inquiries every day regarding the movement of the big UP 4000 class engine. At the present rate, and weather permitting, #4018 should move sometime in May. It will be the last piece to depart the Museum's Fair Park location. We will certainly keep everyone apprised of progress leading up to its movement.

January 17, 2013 - Flat Cars and Three Locomotives Arrive in Frisco

The Museum's flat car loads arrived in Frisco this afternoon, along with three additional pieces of rolling stock. Steam locomotives #1625 and #7, along with their tenders, rode smoothly and securely atop three BNSF flat cars. Accompanying the cars were Fairbanks Morse H12-44 diesel switcher #115, Santa Fe Railway FP-45 diesel locomotive #97, and Union Pacific DDA-40X "Centennial" diesel locomotive #6913. Each of the diesels traveled on their own wheels.

With clearance approved by each of the host railroads' High/Wide Departments, the excess height move got underway from Fair Park last Sunday. The DGNO Railroad provided a locomotive and crew to move the consist to Irving over Union Pacific and TRE lines via Dallas Union Station. Train crews and Museum staff were vigilant at each bridge, overpass, and signal structure to ensure safe passage of the consist. The Frisco #1625, at 20'4" height overall, cleared the Houston Street viaduct by just a few inches. The consist arrived in south Irving without incident later that evening.

BNSF crews got an early start on the second leg of the move this morning. After some repositioning of pieces in the consist at BNSF's Irving Yard to facilitate unloading of the flat cars in Frisco, the consist began to move just after lunchtime. The loaded flat cars and diesel locomotives arrived without incident in Frisco just after 2:00pm. BNSF crews eased the consist into the Museum and placed it on the main track adjacent to the runaround track. With the flat car loads arriving "first in," the steam locomotives will be unloaded by pulling each flat car through the Museum's tail track switch with the M-160 then shoving it up the depot track for unloading with cranes. The process will be repeated with the other two flat cars with the two steam locomotives ultimately being placed on the depot track for display.

The unloading process will take place in the next few weeks, weather permitting. The site must be completely dry in order for cranes to access the depot track. Once the flat cars are unloaded and returned to BNSF, the next consist will move from Fair Park.

December 7, 2012 - Flat Car Move Update

Movement of the Museum's two smaller steam locomotives loaded aboard BNSF's flatcars should take place next week. The railroads are in the process of confirming clearances along the route to ensure there is adequate headroom for the excess height loads. Frisco "Decapod" #1625 is the tallest load at 20 feet 6 inches overall. Once adequate clearance is confirmed, the flatcars will move via DGNO to Irving then interchange with BNSF for movement to Frisco at a later date. Particular attention must be paid to clearances near Union Station in downtown Dallas.

An extensive system of tie-downs, blocking, and wheel chocks was employed to secure the two locomotives and tenders. The #1625 has chains and binders at 24 strategic points, with the Seven Spot having 16. Each tender has 12 chains and binders. Our thanks to Dick Thompson, Brian Lingle, and the rest of the Museum's "Steam Crew" for their dedication and hard work. We are also very grateful to Tim Colley and Bobby Beal of BNSF's Mechanical Department along with many others at BNSF for providing the flatcars and loading specifications.

Once the flatcars arrive in Frisco, they will be spotted on the Museum's new "shop lead" track for unloading. The M-160 will do the honors, positioning the flatcars adjacent to the cranes and then easing them out from under the locomotives and tenders as they are unloaded and placed on the track.

It is necessary to move the flatcar loads prior to any additional consists due to the limitation of available track for unloading. Placement of additional consists prior to the flatcars would preclude the ability of cranes to gain adequate access for lifting and unloading.

The Museum has scheduled Crocker Crane of Irving, TX to lift steam locomotives SLSF #1625 and DUT #7 onto four BNSF flatcars Wednesday, October 31st at 8:00am at the Fair Park site. The crane work will likely take most of the day to complete.

We would like to thank the BNSF Railway for use of the four flatcars. We are very grateful to BNSF and the DGNO for their assistance in our move from Dallas to Frisco.

St. Louis-San Francisco Railway steam locomotive #1625:The museum’s 1917 “Russian Decapod” steam locomotive is resplendent in new paint as of November, 2008. Built by the American Locomotive Company of Schenectady, NY, it was originally part of an order of five-foot gauge engines for the Imperial Russian Railway. Due to the Bolshevik Revolution, it was never delivered and was subsequently re-gauged and sold to the United States Railway Administration (USRA) when railroads became nationalized in the US during World War I. It was subsequently sold to the St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) Railway and numbered 1625. The locomotive finished out its career at the Eagle-Picher Mining Company of Cardin, OK. It was donated to the museum in 1964, a gift of Eagle Picher, and now awaits its new assignment as a key exhibit in its namesake city of Frisco, TX.

Dallas Union Terminal steam locomotive switcher #7:Nicknamed the “Seven Spot,” this locomotive worked its entire life as a switcher at Dallas Union Terminal from 1923 to 1962. It was retired in 1962 after the Christmas holiday travel rush. A switch engine/switcher shuffled cars at terminals, adding and deleting passenger, mail, and express cars from arriving and departing trains. The Seven Spot was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works of Eddystone, PA in October, 1923. Built as an oil-burning steam locomotive, it has been a part of the Museum’s collection since donation in 1963. It entered Fair Park that year under its own power.

Neither the #1625 nor the Seven Spot are currently operational. Both received cosmetic restorations approximately four years ago.

As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.

We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.

Watch the Third Consist Arrival - Produced by the City of Frisco!

October 12, 2012 - Third Consist Arrives in Frisco

The third equipment consist arrived in Frisco this afternoon. The move from Irving to the Museum's new site presented a few challenges that weren't completely unanticipated. The five heavyweight passenger cars are equipped with their original friction-type wheel bearings. Four of the cars behaved perfectly, but Frisco Coach #759 required additional attention.

Despite reconditioned journal surfaces, new brasses and pads, two journals ran hot. The Museum, with the aid of BNSF's Car Department, was able to anticipate and respond to the problem at points along the route. A mixture of journal oil and STP, along with the Museum's ancient supply of hotbox sticks, effectively cooled and lubricated the journals en route. The consist arrived in Frisco just before 6:00pm to a host of onlookers and Museum supporters.

Our sincere thanks to Irving Trainmaster Steve Romanowski and everyone at BNSF for their patience and diligence during the move. A special thanks goes to Tim Colley, Mechanical Foreman, and Bobby Beal, Carman, for drawing on his many years of experience since hiring out on the Santa Fe in the early 1970s. Mr. Colley was of great assistance in addressing #759's "hot boxes" along the route from Irving to Frisco. The train crew, including Conductor Skylar Dottavio, Engineer Sid Hudgeons, and Brakeman Mike "Mad Dog" Dodson did a great job throughout the 10 mph move.

Thanks also to Bernie Watts at Backshop Enterprises, the Colorado Railroad Museum, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for rounding up replacement 5x9 journal brasses. These have proven to be difficult to find in the modern world of roller bearings.

And finally, our thanks to Lou Szabo, Gene Cox, Chris Carrizal, and the rest of our friends at the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad. DGNO was able to accommodate our request and remove the third consist from Fair Park just prior to the beginning of the State Fair. Their crew ran the gauntlet on the congested Dallas/TRE lines to get the consist to Irving.

October 5, 2012 - Third Move Update

The third move of equipment departed Fair Park on Sunday, September 23rd. Made up primarily of heavyweight passenger cars, the consist moved to Irving later that day. This was the last opportunity to move equipment out of the Museum's Fair Park location prior to the start of the State Fair of Texas. Sundays are also the only days that the Museum's equipment moves can travel between Dallas Union Station and South Irving over a section of the Trinity Railway Express line.

The consist will remain in Irving through next week, at which time the BNSF will move it to Frisco. In the meantime, Museum staff will service a few journal bearings which ran hot between Fair Park and Irving.

The third consist is made up of:

Western Pacific Boxcar #68652

Genesee & Wyoming Refrigerator Car #1032

Santa Fe Lounge Car "San Bartolo"

Pullman Sleeping Car "McQuaig"

Pullman Sleeping Car "Glengyle"

Frisco Coach #759

T&P RPO/Baggage Car #916

Access to the property is strictly forbidden. The property at BNSF's and Herzog's South Irving wye is under 24-hour security and only accessible to authorized personnel.

The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist. For general updates, visit the Museum’s websitewww.HistoricTrains.organd click on “The Big Move – Rolling Stock” under the “Frisco” tab. For specific updates on train movements, visit the Museum’s Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/HistoricTrains

As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.

We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.

September 18, 2012 - Second Consist Arrives in Frisco

The second move of Museum equipment arrived in Frisco just after noon today. Taking less than two hours to make the trip from Irving, the equipment was welcomed by several onlookers including Frisco City Officials and residents.

The five Budd streamlined passenger cars and one caboose were gently coupled into the first consist and eased into the Museum, stopping about mid-point on the new runaround track. A total of 12 pieces are now safely within the perimeter of the new site, with 28 more to go.

Our sincere thanks to Darren Hale, Steve Romanowski, and many others at BNSF who made this move possible. We continue to be grateful to BNSF for their diligence in moving the Museum's historic collection safely and securely.

September 16, 2012 - Second Consist Scheduled to Arrive in Frisco

The movement of the Museum's second consist from Irving to Frisco has been rescheduled to Tuesday morning (9/18/12). The railroad expects movement to begin between 9:00am and 10:00am.

The second consist arrived at South Irving and was handed off to BNSF on Thursday evening. The equipment was inspected on Friday, however traffic levels prevented movement of the consist at that time.

The equipment is expected to move to Frisco midday Monday (September 17). Arrival at the Museum’s site is expected in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the third equipment consist has been assembled at Fair Park. These will be the first pieces to travel from the Museum’s old facility, and the first hospital move to take place. The consist will be made up of eight cars, including five “heavyweight” passenger cars. Additional cars will be added for braking requirements, including three Museum pieces. We are awaiting FRA approval before movement will take place. We are in hopes it will happen sometime this week.

September 12, 2012 - Second Consist Leaves Dallas

The second move of Museum equipment started this morning. The Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad picked up six cars that were stored offsite near Fair Park. The consist departed the storage track in Southeast Dallas just before noon and arrived at DGNO's Mockingbird Yard about 2:30pm.

After pulling onto Union Pacific's main line at the original location of Tower 19, the train proceeded onto what was originally Dallas Union Terminal trackage. Numerous photographers and news media captured the move as it progressed through Union Station with the Dallas skyline and Reunion Tower in the background. The train made good time westward and was placed on DGNO's engine track at Mockingbird Yard (former Rock Island).

DGNO crews are expected to resume the equipment move from Mockingbird Yard to BNSF's interchange point at South Irving tonight. The consist will be reconfigured at Mockingbird and wyed at Irving to facilitate the correct orientation and placement at the Museum's Frisco facility.

Our sincere thanks to the folks at the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad for their ongoing cooperation and support of the Museum's move. The DGNO has been a strong supporter of the Museum for many years, enabling a number of offsite special events in the community as well as providing transportation for new acquisitions. Thanks also to John's Cars, Inc. for providing storage of these pieces for several months.

August 27, 2012 - First Museum Pieces Arrive in Frisco

Just after 4:00pm this afternoon, a BNSF engine and crew eased the first pieces of the Museum's rolling stock collection onto the Frisco site. Taking less than an hour and a half to travel from BNSF's Irving yard, the special train consisted of Santa Fe Motorcar M-160, M-K-T Dining Car
#438, Pullman Sleeping Car Glen Nevis, two Armour Ice Reefer Cars, and a 40-ft T&P boxcar.

The move was uneventful thanks to careful planning and preparation by BNSF crews, including the Sherman Car Department. The Museum's staff provided mechanical support along the way, but no running repairs were necessary. A roll-by inspection was performed in Carrollton, which is approximately half way between Irving and Frisco.

The train arrived at the Museum's Frisco site while many onlookers, including local media, recorded the event. Residents of nearby townhomes, including families with small children, were delighted to greet their new neighbors. Click here to view video of the consist arrival.

We are indebted to BNSF for devoting their resources to the first move. Two members of the train crew are former Frisco employees, dating back to the early 1970s. Mike Dodson, the train's brakeman recalled working with Harold Bacchus, the long-time Station Agent and former Mayor of Frisco. It only seems fitting that today's crew would have strong ties to the Frisco Railway.

The celebrated arrival of today's train will be one of several, as the Museum's collection travels to Frisco over the next few weeks. The relocation will culminate in the move of the Museum's two largest steam locomotives.

August 14, 2012 - Much Anticipated Move About to Begin

The long-awaited move of the Museum's collection to Frisco is about to be underway. Museum officials met with representatives of the host railroads today and planned the logistics for the much-anticipated move. There will undoubtedly be much media coverage throughout the process.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has granted the Museum's request for the movement of its vintage pieces over the general system of rail lines. Approval was granted with restrictions to ensure the safe movement of trains, with special consideration given to each piece of rolling stock.

While the safety and security of the collection is of the utmost importance, we will make every effort to provide advance notice of each move so the public can view the process. Keep in mind that each move will be at the convenience of the railroads in an effort to minimize any delays to regular freight and passenger traffic over their lines.

The first pieces to move to Frisco will likely be those which are currently not at Fair Park. They include the Santa Fe M-160 motorcar, M-K-T Dining Car #438, and Pullman Sleeping Car Glen Nevis currently in Grapevine. These pieces have been laying over in Grapevine since April's Day Out with Thomas event. The City of Grapevine has been kind enough to store them until movement directly to Frisco. This equipment will move with three other cars bound for Frisco - a 40-foot steel T&P boxcar and two ice refrigerator cars from the old Armour meat packing plant in Fort Worth.

Six additional cars will move to Frisco as part of the first wave: five lightweight streamlined cars including two diners and three former Amtrak Heritage sleeping cars, along with a Santa Fe caboose.

The current plan is to begin with movement of equipment that qualifies for regular train service then work progressively toward those that will require special handling, i.e. additional cars for braking and restricted speeds. Known as a "hospital move," several pieces in the Museum's collection will require this type of special handling.

The last few pieces to leave the Museum will likely be the two largest steam locomotives (Frisco 4-8-4 #4501, and UP 4-8-8-4 #4018). For a variety of reasons, it makes sense for these engines to leave Fair Park last, particularly if there are any track issues as they negotiate the "S" curve located at the Museum's entrance.

We will provide periodic updates on the webpage, but for the latest information on moves as they are taking place, please check the Museum's FaceBook page.

Finally, while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.

We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making the move possible.

June 29, 2012 - Museum Steam Crew Readies Massive Engines

With the BNSF switch now installed and track work at the site wrapping up, attention is focused on final preparations for movement of the rolling stock collection. A dedicated, hardworking group of individuals has been assisting in the preparation of each piece in the collection, particularly the two largest steam locomotives.

Frisco 4-8-4 #4501 is essentially ready for the trip north. Work is now focused on Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4018. Essentially a roller bearing engine, it is undergoing draining and replacement of lubricant at each driving wheel reservoir – all 16 of them. All of the bearings on the centipede tender have been inspected and passed muster.

Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question associated with the Museum’s move to Frisco is, “When will the Big Boy move?” The short answer is that the Big Boy will move last. This makes sense from a logistical standpoint for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, the locomotive will have to negotiate an “S” curve as it departs the Museum, which may prove problematic due to its long, rigid wheel base. This will likely prove to be the trickiest stretch of track along the 55 mile route to Frisco. With #4018 at the extreme end of the Museum’s stub track, it makes sense to move the rest of the rolling stock collection, including the #4501, beforehand.

Rest assured we will keep everyone posted as move plans progress, particularly as they pertain to the #4501 and #4018. Final preparations and conversations with the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, Trinity Railway Express, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and Union Pacific are taking place. On the present construction schedule, track work should be completed by the second week of July. Movement of the collection could begin by July 16. Obviously, the timetable has slipped over the months, so check this space periodically for updates.

It bears mentioning here that movement of each of the Museum’s four steam locomotives is proving to be costly. Every consideration has been given to their safe relocation to Frisco without compromising their historical integrity. The railroads have graciously agreed to move the rolling stock at no cost, but a few pieces are not able to make the trip by rail due to age, frailty, etc. For this reason, the Frisco #1625 “Russian” Decapod and Dallas Union Terminal 0-6-0 #7 will move by truck or flatcar. Those of you who love and appreciate steam are encouraged to show your support by contributing to the Frisco project. You can earmark your contributions to the steam locomotives and receive acknowledgement of your gift. Moving the locomotives is currently estimated to cost $130,000. Additional funds will be required for reassembly of drive rods, etc. and touchup to any damaged painted surfaces.

Our sincere thanks to the Museum’s “Steam Crew” who have worked tirelessly over the weeks to ready the massive locomotives for their return to the main line. This unprecedented event would not be possible without their hard work and diligence. A special thanks to our own Dick Thompson of McKinney who has been Scott Lindsay’s right hand man, and Steam Crew leader, throughout the process. Interestingly, our crew is made up of dedicated volunteers who have developed a recent interest in railway preservation. It is very gratifying to see a new generation of folks previously uninitiated in the field take ownership in the Museum and ensure its future.

The much anticipated move of the Museum’s 40-piece rolling stock collection will likely take place during the month of July. While the structures have received much attention, the collection of massive locomotives and historic rail cars will undoubtedly garner the most publicity. We have received inquiries from all over the world about how and when the rolling stock, and in particular the “Big Boy” #4018, will move to Frisco.

The distance by rail between Fair Park and the new Frisco site is approximately 55 miles. Each piece in the rolling stock collection will be thoroughly inspected and prepared for movement over this distance. Particular attention is paid to the running gear (wheels, axles, and bearings). Fortunately, the Museum has maintained these important parts in running order, and moved nearly each piece within the Fair Park site at least once a year. The Museum is coordinating with the participating railroads the method by which each piece will move over their lines – restricted speed, additional braking capacity, weight and clearance concerns, etc.

The most anticipated pieces to move are the Museum’s two largest steam locomotives (Frisco 4-8-4 #4501 & Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4018). They are currently being prepped for movement and acceptance by the railroads. The Museum has contracted with Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation – an expert in the field of locomotive running gear. Mr. Lindsay is working with the Museum’s steam crew to inspect and service each bearing on the locomotives, including axles, main rods, side rods, and related valve gear.

Lindsay and his crew are currently working on the Frisco #4501 and will move over to the UP #4018 upon completion. Each locomotive presents its own set of unique needs. The 4501 has the older “friction” type axle and rod journals, while #4018 is equipped with roller bearings. The 4018’s four piston rods were cut prior to its movement to Texas back in 1964. This will actually be advantageous to its movement to Frisco, since the locomotive’s pistons are no longer connected to the running gear.

Frisco #4501 was moved from its 47-year place of exhibit within the Museum last Friday. The locomotive was pulled backwards approximately 80 feet to facilitate further inspection and servicing of the running gear. Using the Museum’s EMD F-7 as motive power, it moved effortlessly under the watchful eye of Lindsay and Museum volunteers & staff.

The Museum’s other two steam locomotives, the Frisco 2-10-0 “Decapod” #1625 and Dallas Union Terminal Company 0-6-0 #7 will likely move by flatcar or truck due to running gear concerns.

Our sincere thanks to the cadre of volunteers who are working tirelessly along with Scott Lindsay on this project. We will provide periodic updates as this project progress.